Gerald Zordan appointed as Torrington’s interim mayor

Gerald Zordan after the city council meeting on Monday, Sept. 23, at City Hall in Torrington. Zordan was appointed to serve as interim mayor from Oct. 1 and Dec. 2 after Mayor Ryan Bingham said he would step down on Oct. 1.
Esteban L. Hernandez—Register Citizen

Zordan, a Republican, was appointed to the position by a majority vote during Monday’s City Council meeting at City Hall. After he was appointed, Zordan said he volunteered for the role as he is the only council member not running for reelection. No campaigning would mean he could focus on the role, he said.

“I also have the flexibility with my job to be able to take the time off and be able to do this job,” Zordan said.

The appointment was prompted by the forthcoming resignation of Republican Mayor Ryan Bingham, who announced in August that he would be stepping down Oct. 1, two months before his term was scheduled to end, to spend more time with his family. The City Charter dictates a member from the same political party must be selected to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term to serve as interim mayor.

Zordan’s term ends on Dec. 2.

“I’m scared; I’m excited,” Zordan said about his appointment. “Who knows what tomorrow brings? Right now things are going rather smoothly. That can change in an instant.”

Born and raised in Torrington, Zordan has served for 14 years as an elected official, with three years on the council and prior service on the city’s Board of Public Safety.

Bingham joined the rest of the council in congratulating Zordan after the appointment. Bingham praised the selection.

The motion to appoint Zordan was moved by council member Elinor Carbone. It was one of the final motions on the meeting’s agenda.

Four current Republican council members were eligible to fill the position: Republican mayoral candidate Carbone. Gregg G. Cogswell and Drake L. Waldron.

Zordan said in statement released last Friday that he would volunteer for the role. He also said he would forgo a salary as interim mayor.

A vote for the interim mayor required a decision from the six council members and was treated like a typical council motion, according to Bingham, who would have only cast a vote himself in the case of a tie.

Zordan already knows what he’s most looking forward to during his short term. “I’m most looking forward to Dec. 2,” Zordan said, laughing.

Editor’s Note: The story has been updated to correct a typo. Gerald Zordan said “I’m scared; I’m excited,” not “I’m sacred; I’m excited.”